New COTO Standards for Psychotherapy in effect August 1, 2018


The College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario has released revised Standards for Psychotherapy  which are in effect as of August 1, 2018.  Occupational therapists who practice psychotherapy and/or the controlled act of psychotherapy should be familiar with new standards which outline what the public should expect from an OT in such practice.   

The Standards include a new definition of psychotherapy, and provisions for use of title, competence, requirements for supervision, supervision of students, support personnel, etc.  The College has also developed a new resource to support clinicians to determine when their practice is considered psychotherapy -Determining When the Standards for Psychotherapy Apply.

View the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario's release announcement here.
Implications for Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists who practice psychotherapy and/or the controlled act of psychotherapy must be familiar and in compliance of these standards.  OSOT offers a number of resources to support practice in this area:
  • Compendium of Counselling and Psychotherapy Courses, 2nd Ed.  This resource covers everything from the basics of various psychotherapy approaches to the evidence, to relevance for OTs, to training and supervision opportunities.

  • OSOT's Psychotherapy Team - a resource for members and the profession - monitoring and identify issues and opportunities relating to psychotherapy practice in Ontario.

  • NEW!  Find - a - Psychotherapy Supervisor Online tool - to support members looking for an occupational therapist who can provide supervision for heir psychotherapy practice, the Society is introducing a new web- based search tool this fall.  You'll be able to search to find OTs who are willing and able to provide supervision.  (note, other professionals may also provide supervision to an occupational therapist practising psychotherapy)